It is with sadness we announce Bill’s passing at 82 with his family at his side on August 31st, 2025. Bill was born in Ottawa on March 12, 1943. Shortly after his birth, his father enlisted in the military and served in WW2, so Bill and his mother moved to Perth, Ontario to be close to relatives.
Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Hildred (Cannon). He is survived by his husband John Mitchell, son Craig, grandchildren Ruby, Finn and Charley, brother Brian (Suzanne), sister Colleen (Stewart Evans), and their families.
Bill enjoyed a career mixed with work and travel. As court reporter, his work enabled him to travel to all ten provinces and two territories, Europe and the Bahamas. At the beginning and end of his career, he was employed by the House of Commons in both Hansard and committees.
Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to Beechwood National Memorial Center (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, ON), for a Visitation on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 11a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 1 p.m., Interment and Reception to follow. Donations may be made to the Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre or the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.
Livre de visiteurs
Cheryl Smith
Doug Duby
Sincere condolences to all family members.
We had some good laughs together.
Jamie Publow
Condolences to Brian, Colleen and all of Billy’s family. Tons of memories of growing up in Perth. RIP Billy.
Richard Frizell
My most sincere condolences to all of Bill's family, extended family and friends. He was a great guy! I remember him so well from Perth days.
Regards..... Rick Frizell, Gabriola Island, BC
Karen Parent
My sincere sympathies to the family. Bill and I were colleagues at the House of Commons. He had a great sense of humour and we had good conversations about any topics.
Linda D. MacDonald
I was fortunate to work and travel with Bill for numerous years. He was a wonderful companion and excellent work partner. Wherever he went, there would ultimately be laughter. I will miss that. His friendship was enduring. My sincere condolences to John and the rest of the family. Just remember: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Love never dies.
Dave Wong
Hi Craig,
I’m so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
David
Sylvie McDermott
My deepest condolences to Bill's husband and family. I worked with Bill at the House of Commons. We often chatted about trips he had taken and trips that were coming up. He was a kind, funny, caring person who will certainly be missed by his loved ones. Rest in peace, Bill.
Keyvan
Craig, My condolences to you and your family. May he rest in eternal peace.
Lesley Anne Cannon Marcucci
Bill and I are cousins, and over the years I have visited him and John twice in Ottawa and was so happy to see the loving bond between them . Over the years Bill and I talked and emailed a lot, and shared stories and reminisced about our Cannon relatives and had many laughs. My condolences to John , Brian , Colleen , Craig and other family members. Bill was a wonderful, unique man with a great personality and will be missed by many .
Bill and I have been friends for over 70 years. I am sad to lose him but relieved that he is not suffering now. My sincere sympathies to John, Craig, Colleen and families.